Database report subscription technology, in which subscriptions are delivered to multiple, different recipients on a customized basis. In response to detection of an event that triggers generation and delivery of a database report, customized versions of the report are generated for the multiple, different recipients based on a definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription, report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report included in the subscription, and profile data associated with at least one of the multiple, different recipients. The customized versions of the report include at least a first version of the report and a second version of the report that differs from the first version of the report and the customized versions of the report are delivered to the multiple, different recipients.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: defining, based on user input provided by an owner, a subscription for a report that is delivered to first and second recipients in response to occurrence of an event, the subscription defining the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report, the first and second recipients to which the report is delivered, definition of data used to generate the report, and report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report, the owner being different than the first and second recipients and having control of the subscription of the report; defining, based on user input provided by the owner, recipient customization settings that define ability of the first and second recipients to customize the subscription; identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient, the profile data defining attributes that relate to one or more modifications to the report delivered to the first recipient based on the subscription; receiving, from the second recipient, input attempting to personalize one or more display aspects of the report; comparing the one or more display aspects of the report that the second recipient is attempting to personalize with the recipient customization settings; based on the comparison, determining that the second recipient is allowed to personalize the one or more display aspects of the report; based on the determination that the second recipient is allowed to personalize the one or more display aspects of the report, storing personalization data that defines personalization of the one or more display aspects of the report by the second recipient; detecting occurrence of the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report; in response to detection of the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report, generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription, the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report included in the subscription, and the profile data associated with at least the first recipient and generating a second version of the report for the second recipient based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription, the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report included in the subscription, and the personalization data that defines personalization of the one or more display aspects of the report by the second recipient, the first version of the report having the same data as the second version of the report and the first version of the report having at least one display aspect that differs from display aspects of the second version of the report based on the personalization of the one or more display aspects of the report by the second recipient; and delivering the first version of the report to the first recipient and the second version of the report to the second recipient.
A computer system delivers customized database reports to multiple recipients based on a central subscription. An owner defines a report subscription, specifying the event that triggers the report, the recipients, the data source, and the report's presentation. The owner also sets customization permissions for each recipient. The system identifies profile data for the first recipient, defining modifications to the report. When the trigger event occurs, the system generates a customized version of the report for each recipient. The first recipient's report includes modifications based on their profile. The second recipient can personalize some display features if allowed by customization settings. The system delivers each customized report to its respective recipient. Both reports contain the same underlying data but may have different display aspects.
2. The method of claim 1 : wherein identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient comprises defining, based on user input received from the first recipient, profile data for the subscription that is associated with the first recipient and that defines a modification to the definition of data used to generate the report defined by the subscription; and wherein generating the first version of the report comprises generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the modification to the definition of data used to generate the report defined by the subscription.
Building on the previous description, the system allows the first recipient to modify the data used in generating their version of the report. The profile data for the first recipient includes modifications to the underlying data definition of the subscription. When generating the first version of the report, the system incorporates these data modifications. For instance, if the original subscription includes all sales data, the first recipient might customize their report to only show sales data for a specific region.
3. The method of claim 1 : wherein identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient comprises defining, based on user input received from the first recipient, profile data for the subscription that is associated with the first recipient and that defines a modification to the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report defined by the subscription; and wherein generating the first version of the report comprises generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the modification to the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report defined by the subscription.
Expanding on the first description, the first recipient can customize the presentation style of their report. The profile data for the first recipient includes modifications to the report parameters that define presentation aspects. When generating the first version of the report, these presentation modifications are applied. For example, the original report might display data in a table, but the first recipient's customized report could present the same data as a pie chart, change the sorting order, or highlight specific data points.
4. The method of claim 3 : wherein defining, based on user input received from the first recipient, profile data for the subscription that is associated with the first recipient and that defines the modification to the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report defined by the subscription comprises defining, based on user input received from the first recipient, profile data for the subscription that is associated with the first recipient and that defines a modification to visual display parameters of the report defined by the subscription; and wherein generating the first version of the report for the first recipient based on the modification to the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report defined by the subscription comprises generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the modification to the visual display parameters of the report defined by the subscription.
Further developing the presentation customization from the previous description, the first recipient can modify the visual display parameters of the report. The profile data includes modifications to visual elements like fonts, colors, and layout. When generating the first version of the report, these visual display modifications are applied. For example, the first recipient might change the background color of the report, increase the font size of the headings, or rearrange the columns in a table.
5. The method of claim 3 : wherein defining, based on user input received from the first recipient, profile data for the subscription that is associated with the particular recipient and that defines the modification to the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report defined by the subscription comprises defining, based on user input received from the first recipient, profile data for the subscription that is associated with the first recipient and that defines a modification to a delivery mechanism of the report defined by the subscription; and wherein generating the first version of the report for the first recipient based on the modification to the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report defined by the subscription comprises generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the modification to the delivery mechanism of the report defined by the subscription.
Instead of visual modifications, the first recipient can customize the report's delivery mechanism. The profile data defines modifications to how the report is delivered, for example, email versus a direct link or a specific file format. When generating the first version of the report, the system uses this modified delivery mechanism. For instance, the default report might be emailed as a PDF, but the first recipient could receive it as an Excel spreadsheet via a secure FTP server.
6. The method of claim 1 : wherein identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient comprises identifying a security profile for the first recipient that indicates data the first recipient is able to access; and wherein generating the first version of the report comprises generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the security profile such that the first version of the report for the first recipient only includes the data the first recipient is able to access regardless of whether the definition of data used to generate the report includes additional data.
The first recipient's profile data can include security information that restricts data access. The profile data contains a security profile specifying which data the recipient is authorized to view. When generating the first version of the report, the system limits the displayed data to only what the first recipient is permitted to access, regardless of the subscription's original data definition. For example, even if the report contains salary information for all employees, the first recipient (a non-manager) might only see their own salary data.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein defining, based on user input, the subscription for the report that is delivered to first and second recipients in response to occurrence of the event comprises: receiving user input to add a subscription for a report; receiving selection of first and second recipients for the subscription; receiving input defining an event that triggers generation and delivery of the report; receiving input defining data used to generate the report; receiving input defining report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report; receiving input defining recipient customization settings that define ability of recipients to customize the subscription; and storing data defining the subscription for the report based on the received input.
The system allows an owner to define report subscriptions. The owner adds a new subscription and selects recipients. The owner then defines an event that triggers the report, specifies the data source, and sets the report's presentation style. Customization permissions, defining the recipients' ability to customize, are also specified. All this information is stored as the subscription definition.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient comprises: receiving, from the first recipient, input to personalize a defined subscription for a report; determining whether the first recipient is allowed to personalize the report based on the recipient customization settings; receiving input personalizing definition of data used to generate the report to the extent the first recipient is allowed to personalize the definition of the data; receiving input personalizing delivery aspects of the report to the extent the first recipient is allowed to personalize the delivery aspects; receiving input personalizing display aspects of the report to the extent the first recipient is allowed to personalize the display aspects; and storing profile data defining one or more modifications to the report for the first recipient based on the received input.
The first recipient can personalize a report subscription, provided the customization settings allow it. The recipient provides input to personalize a defined subscription. The system verifies that the recipient has permission to personalize the report. The recipient can personalize the data definition, delivery aspects, and display aspects (as permitted). All personalization data is stored as profile data for that recipient, defining modifications to the report.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein receiving input personalizing delivery aspects of the report to the extent the first recipient is allowed to personalize the delivery aspects comprises receiving input personalizing a communication medium by which the first recipient receives the report.
Expanding on the personalization of delivery aspects, the first recipient can customize the communication medium through which they receive the report. They can choose to receive the report via email, SMS, a web portal, or another supported medium. This preference is stored as part of their profile and used when generating and delivering their customized report.
10. The method of claim 8 receiving input personalizing delivery aspects of the report to the extent the first recipient is allowed to personalize the delivery aspects comprises receiving input personalizing an event that triggers generation and delivery of the report for the first recipient.
Furthering the customization of delivery aspects, the first recipient can personalize the event that triggers report generation for them. The underlying data might update daily, but the first recipient can schedule a report to run weekly or only when certain conditions are met. This personalized trigger is stored and used exclusively for the first recipient's customized report.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein generating first and second versions of the report comprises: accessing subscription data defining a subscription for a report; identifying multiple, different recipients of the report based on the subscription data; accessing profile data for each of the multiple, different recipients of the report; identifying data needed from a database based on the subscription data and the profile data; accessing the identified data from the database; formatting the accessed data into a customized version of the report for each of the multiple, different recipients based on the profile data; and configuring each customized version of the report for sending to the corresponding recipient using an appropriate delivery mechanism for the corresponding recipient.
The report generation process involves accessing subscription data, identifying recipients, accessing each recipient's profile data, extracting data from the database according to the subscription and profile, formatting the data into a customized report for each recipient based on their profile, and configuring each report for sending via the appropriate delivery mechanism.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein: accessing profile data for each of the multiple, different recipients of the report comprises accessing a security profile for each of the multiple, different recipients of the report that defines data access rights for data stored in the database; and formatting the accessed data into a customized version of the report for each of the multiple, different recipients based on the profile data comprises limiting the accessed data included in the customized version of the report for each of the multiple, different recipients to data which the corresponding recipient is able to access according to the security profile of the corresponding recipient.
Continuing the previous description, when generating customized reports, the system considers data access rights. Each recipient's profile data includes a security profile that specifies which database data they can access. When formatting each customized report, the system limits the included data to what the corresponding recipient is authorized to view based on their security profile.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein: accessing profile data for each of the multiple, different recipients of the report comprises accessing a personal profile for each of the multiple, different recipients of the report that defines personalization of the report; and formatting the accessed data into a customized version of the report for each of the multiple, different recipients based on the profile data comprises formatting the accessed data into a customized version of the report for each of the multiple, different recipients based on the personal profile of the corresponding recipient.
Building on the report generation process, the system uses personal profiles to customize reports. Each recipient's profile data includes a personal profile that defines personalization settings. When formatting each report, the system applies these personalization settings to create a customized version specific to that recipient's preferences. This allows for visual changes and specific data filtering.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein defining, based on user input, the subscription for the report that is delivered to first and second recipients in response to occurrence of the event comprises receiving selection of recipients of the report from a list of names of potential recipients without receiving specification of a communication address of selected recipients.
When defining a report subscription, the system allows the owner to select recipients from a list of names without needing to specify their communication addresses directly. The system likely already has associated addresses from a user directory or contact list.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein defining, based on user input, the subscription for the report that is delivered to first and second recipients in response to occurrence of the event comprises selecting a contact group that automatically includes multiple, different recipients.
The system enables defining report subscriptions by selecting a contact group containing multiple recipients. Adding or removing recipients from the contact group automatically updates the recipients of the report subscription.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient comprises defining first profile data for the first recipient, the first profile data impacting the first version of the report delivered to the first recipient without impacting other recipients.
The system allows defining profile data for the first recipient that uniquely impacts their version of the report without affecting other recipients. The customization settings are specific to that recipient and do not apply to others subscribed to the same report.
17. A system comprising: one or more computers; and a computer-readable medium coupled to the one or more computers having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: defining, based on user input provided by an owner, a subscription for a report that is delivered to first and second recipients in response to occurrence of an event, the subscription defining the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report, the first and second recipients to which the report is delivered, definition of data used to generate the report, and report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report, the owner being different than the first and second recipients and having control of the subscription of the report; defining, based on user input provided by the owner, recipient customization settings that define ability of the first and second recipients to customize the subscription; identifying profile data that is associated with at least the first recipient, the profile data defining attributes that relate to one or more modifications to the report delivered to the first recipient based on the subscription; receiving, from the second recipient, input attempting to personalize one or more display aspects of the report; comparing the one or more display aspects of the report that the second recipient is attempting to personalize with the recipient customization settings; based on the comparison, determining that the second recipient is allowed to personalize the one or more display aspects of the report; based on the determination that the second recipient is allowed to personalize the one or more display aspects of the report, storing personalization data that defines personalization of the one or more display aspects of the report by the second recipient; detecting occurrence of the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report; in response to detection of the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report, generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription, the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report included in the subscription, and the profile data associated with at least the first recipient and generating a second version of the report for the second recipient based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription, the report parameters that define presentation aspects of the report included in the subscription, and the personalization data that defines personalization of the one or more display aspects of the report by the second recipient, the first version of the report having the same data as the second version of the report and the first version of the report having at least one display aspect that differs from display aspects of the second version of the report based on the personalization of the one or more display aspects of the report by the second recipient; and delivering the first version of the report to the first recipient and the second version of the report to the second recipient.
A system, including computers and memory, executes instructions to deliver customized database reports. An owner defines a report subscription, specifying the event, recipients, data source, and presentation. The owner sets customization permissions. The system identifies profile data for the first recipient, defining modifications. When the trigger event occurs, the system generates a customized report for each recipient. The first recipient's report includes profile-based modifications. The second recipient personalizes display features if allowed. The system delivers customized reports. Both reports contain the same data but differ in display.
18. A computer-implemented method comprising: defining, based on user input provided by an owner, a subscription for a report that is delivered to multiple, different recipients in response to occurrence of an event, the subscription defining the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report, recipient data that enables identification of the multiple, different recipients to which the report is delivered, and definition of data used to generate the report, the owner being different than the first and second recipients and having control of the subscription of the report; defining, based on user input provided by the owner, recipient customization settings that define ability of the multiple, different recipients to customize the subscription; receiving, from a first recipient included in the multiple, different recipients, input attempting to personalize the definition of data used to generate the report; analyzing the recipient customization settings in response to the attempt to personalize the definition of data used to generate the report; based on the analysis of the recipient customization settings in response to the attempt to personalize the definition of data used to generate the report, determining that the first recipient is allowed to personalize the definition of data used to generate the report; based on the determination that the first recipient is allowed to personalize the definition of data used to generate the report, storing personalization data that defines personalization of the definition of data used to generate the report by the first recipient; detecting occurrence of the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report; in response to detection of the event that triggers generation and delivery of the report, generating a first version of the report for the first recipient based on the personalization data that defines personalization of the definition of data used to generate the report by the first recipient and generating a second version of the report for a second recipient included in the multiple, different recipients based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription, the first version of the report having data that differs from data in the second version of the report based on the personalization data that defines personalization of the definition of data used to generate the report by the first recipient; and delivering the first version of the report to the first recipient and the second version of the report to the second recipient.
A computer system delivers customized database reports to multiple recipients. An owner defines the subscription, specifying the event, recipients, and data. The owner also defines recipient customization settings. A recipient personalizes the data used to generate the report, which is verified against customization settings. If personalization is allowed, the data modification is stored. When the trigger event occurs, the system generates a customized report for each recipient. The first recipient's report includes their data personalization, resulting in different data between reports. Each customized report is delivered.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising: receiving, from the second recipient included in the multiple, different recipients, input attempting to personalize a delivery aspect of the report; analyzing the recipient customization settings in response to the attempt to personalize the delivery aspect of the report; based on the analysis of the recipient customization settings in response to the attempt to personalize the delivery aspect of the report, determining that the second recipient is allowed to personalize the delivery aspect of the report; and based on the determination that the second recipient is allowed to personalize the delivery aspect of the report, storing delivery data that defines personalization of the delivery aspect of the report by the second recipient, wherein generating the second version of the report for the second recipient included in the multiple, different recipients based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription comprises generating the second version of the report for the second recipient included in the multiple, different recipients based on the definition of the data used to generate the report included in the subscription and the delivery data that defines personalization of the delivery aspect of the report by the second recipient, the second version of the report being delivered to the second recipient differently than the first version of the report is delivered to the first recipient based on the delivery data that defines personalization of the delivery aspect of the report by the second recipient.
Expanding on the previous description, the second recipient personalizes the delivery method of the report, which is checked against customization settings. If allowed, the delivery preference is stored. The system generates a customized report for each recipient. The first recipient's report data reflects their personalized data definition. The second recipient's report is delivered via their personalized delivery method, which is different than the first recipient's.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein the recipient data that enables identification of the multiple, different recipients to which the report is delivered includes recipient data that defines a dynamic recipient list that is generated by querying a table in a database.
In defining the recipient list for a report subscription, the system can use a dynamic recipient list generated by querying a table in a database. This allows the recipient list to automatically update based on changes in the database, such as new employees being added or existing employees changing departments.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
October 18, 2010
August 27, 2013
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